VJ Edgecombe’s ‘seductive’ wink vs. Celtics shows off the rookie’s ‘generational aura’ and evokes Jimmy Butler
Edgecombe scored 30 points to help the Sixers even their first-round series against Boston.
Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe stole the show in Tuesday’s Game 2 win over the Celtics — and it wasn’t just his team-high 30 points that had the internet buzzing the following morning.
Edgecombe finished the game with a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double, and shot 12-for-20 from the field and 6-for-10 from three-point range. That’s despite a hard fall in the first quarter that sent him to the locker room and caused him to take several rides on the stationary bike behind the Sixers bench.
The 20-year-old guard made plays on both ends of the floor, in transition, and from beyond the arc.
But it was a simple wink to the camera that went viral. And it came after Edgecombe hit a dagger three to put the Sixers up 13 points with just over three minutes left to play.
Reactions poured in from across the country as Edgecombe appeared to look directly at the camera before winking.
Many Sixers fans were quick to point out that the wink was vintage Jimmy Butler, and had the video evidence to back it up.
And it wasn’t just Sixers fans from Philadelphia — or even America. Fans in several languages took to X to celebrate the Bahamian rookie’s big night and viral wink.
“No way, they’re just rocketing up my favorite players ranking more and more,” a Japanese fan wrote, according to the X translation.
“I’m not one to make lists, but it’s in the Top 10 of the most seductive moments in NBA history,” a podcaster in Brazil posted in Portuguese.
“That’s what the young folks call AURA,” wrote a French fan.
Of course, it’s very likely that Edgecombe wasn’t actually winking at the camera, but we shouldn’t let facts ruin what could potentially become a meme.
Edgecombe and the Sixers return to the court Friday in South Philly for Game 3 at Xfinity Mobile Arena (7 p.m., Prime Video).
Series tied 1-1
Game 1: Celtics 123, Sixers 91 | Murphy: Early offseason?
Game 2: Sixers 111, Celtics 97 | Murphy: Edgecombe steps up
Game 3: Celtics at Sixers, 7 p.m. Friday, Prime Video
Game 4: Celtics at Sixers, 7 p.m. Sunday, NBC/Peacock
*Game 5: Sixers at Celtics, TBD Tuesday
*Game 6: Celtics at Sixers, TBD April 30
*Game 7: Sixers at Celtics, TBD May 2
* If necessary